Istanbul Ignited: 3,000 Attendees, 600 Investors
The second edition of Istanbul Ignited by Slush’D is set to take place on October 12-14, featuring over 3,000 attendees, 600 investors, and prominent speakers from top venture firms
Istanbul Ignited by Slush’D is returning for its second edition, expecting over 3,000 attendees and 600 investors. The event will take place at Rixos Tersane in Istanbul on October 12-14.
The first edition of the event, Istanbul Slush’D, was held in 2025 and reached full capacity, hosting more than 1,000 investor and founder meetings and bringing over 75 global funds to the city. Half of the attendees at the first edition came from abroad, demonstrating the event's international appeal.
The main sponsors of the event are Akbank and Togg, the Turkish electric car maker. The event will feature three themes: Sovereignty & Resilience, AI as Infrastructure, and The Human Edge. These themes will explore how to build more independent systems, the role of AI in new products and business models, and the importance of human creativity and intuition in the age of AI.
The event has already attracted a number of prominent speakers, including partners at top venture firms such as Accel, Periodic Labs, and Index Ventures. Other notable speakers include Judith Dada, co-CEO of Langdock and senior partner at Visionaries, and Bryan Kim, founder of Mido Capital and a former partner at Andreessen Horowitz.
## What to Expect The second edition of Istanbul Ignited by Slush’D promises to be an exciting event, with a wide range of speakers, themes, and networking opportunities. With over 3,000 attendees and 600 investors expected, the event is set to be a major hub for startup activity in the region.
## Why it Matters The event's focus on sovereignty, AI, and human edge reflects the current trends and challenges in the tech industry. As AI becomes increasingly important, the need for independent systems and human creativity is more pressing than ever. The event provides a platform for startups, investors, and industry experts to come together and discuss the future of technology.
The success of the first edition, which brought over 75 global funds to the city, demonstrates the potential for Istanbul to become a major hub for startup activity. With the second edition expected to be even bigger, Istanbul Ignited by Slush’D is an event not to be missed.
In related news, Grand Games, an Istanbul studio, recently raised a $70m Series B in May, demonstrating the growing interest in the region's startup scene.
